Chapter 1: Understanding the Connection

I recently completed my undergraduate education at the University of Cincinnati, where I focused on mechanical engineering, along with minors in astrophysics and philosophy. This combination often sparked intriguing conversations when I introduced myself. Reactions varied widely; some praised my intellectual pursuits (which admittedly flattered me), while others struggled to see the connections among these disciplines. Occasionally, I encountered individuals who completely grasped my rationale. More often than not, I found myself explaining my choices to those who were puzzled.

The link between engineering and astrophysics is relatively straightforward. Mechanical engineering hinges on applied physics and design—essentially not about car repairs! When you blend this with the exploration of space, it naturally leads to aerospace engineering (AE), which will be my focus for a PhD starting this August. However, the connection with philosophy often left others scratching their heads, especially those unfamiliar with either field. It’s amusing that many view engineering as solely a realm for "nerds with slide rules," while in reality, we now utilize advanced tools like MATLAB and C++. Just a friendly jab at my fellow engineers!

What many overlook is the foundational principle shared by both disciplines. Engineering is a branch of science, emphasizing practical application and design. The intersection of science and philosophy lies in our innate human curiosity and the quest to comprehend and enhance our surroundings.

While these fields approach understanding in unique ways, both rely on logical reasoning. Philosophy often employs truth tables, premises, conclusions, and thought experiments to explore ideas. Although its methods differ from those of science, which relies on rigorous experimentation, the core principle of rationality is consistent across both domains. Any assertion lacking logical coherence deserves scrutiny—a concept reminiscent of the scientific method!

The scientific method serves as a structured approach to understanding the world, emphasizing careful analysis and isolation of variables. A comprehensive explanation can be found here, outlining how to formulate a hypothesis based on observation, design an experiment with controlled variables, and analyze the results. If complications arise or new questions emerge, the process is repeated!

Many early philosophers also ventured into science or engineering. In an era when human knowledge was more limited, figures such as Aristotle—renowned for his contributions to virtue ethics and biological classification—made significant strides. Other notable thinkers include Pythagoras, known for his theorem, Leucippus, who speculated on the existence of atoms, and Thales, who famously predicted a solar eclipse.

A crucial point to note is the role of ethics—a branch of philosophy focused on determining the objective "right action" in various contexts—within STEM fields. Unethical conduct by scientists can lead to serious repercussions, including suspension or dismissal. Although ethical dilemmas are often complex, usually one course of action is deemed more acceptable. Honesty is a fundamental principle of ethics; dishonest practices threaten the integrity of the scientific method.

While I could delve into this topic extensively, numerous books and resources detail the synergy between science and philosophy, easily accessible at your local library. Here are a couple of quick reads on the subject:

Chapter 2: Notable Thinkers and Their Contributions

Zoe Lee is a space engineer with a myriad of interests, fueled by her unquenchable curiosity. Beyond her writing on Medium and her travel blog (starryeyestravel.com), she enjoys reading, singing, crafting, learning new languages, exploring space, and engaging in cultural exchange. If you’re interested in connecting, feel free to sign up for email correspondence!